Teaching
Courses currently taught:
RESUMÉ
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
My teaching philosophy works to empower students so they can understand how to incorporate art into their daily lives. I teach them how to find creativity and stimulation in their day-to-day routine by challenging them to view their world like never before. Assignments that I use to inspire this way of thinking may include shooting two rolls of film before getting out of bed in the morning, shooting 36 exposures in 30 minutes or intentionally exposing two rolls of films out of focus.
I also encourage students to choose a photographer they admire and work to emulate that person’s vision and his or her technique. This shows the students just how hard it is to become a master photographer. It also eliminates the stress that students feel when trying to discover their artistic voice and when that stress is eliminated, it allows them the time to grow and mature as an artist.
Incorporating the above style of teaching, with a monitored, hands-on approach, the students can gain an understanding of materials and processes. This balances the educational experience and gives students an understanding of the medium which will aid them in future exploration in art. In addition, regular group critiques, where students are encouraged to speak freely about ideas, vision and direction are frequently scheduled. A combination of these elements aids in building a harmonious atmosphere of creativity.
Through my philosophy I am encouraging students to look more creatively at their day-to-day life and to find art in their everyday world. This is the core of my teaching and these are the components I believe are most valuable to students. As an educator, I facilitate students needs, expression and creativity and give them a solid, technical and historical background. Then, when the time arises and the artist matures, they will have the knowledge they need to create their best work. I create a situation where students do not need to travel to photograph, they do not need sophisticated equipment, nor do they need to create a conceptual idea that no one else will understand. All they need to do, is respond to an act they are not even conscious they are doing-that is, living.